General
Mak-Sida Meet to ignite Research Agenda
The Swedish Ambassador to Uganda, H.E Urban Andersson, has re-affirmed his country’s commitment to supporting research and innovations in Makerere University and Uganda, as a way of contributing to national development, social transformation and poverty eradication. H.E Andersson was speaking at the Science Day for the Makerere-Sida Research Cooperation at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-Security (CoVAB), on 19th November 2013. This was part of an ongoing Annual Review Meeting for the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) research support to Makerere University, running from 18th – 27th November 2013. The Makerere-Sida Phase III Bilateral Research programme (2010-2014) is worth Swedish Krona (SEK) 180 million.
“Rural areas have been pointed out as key for Uganda’s development with 80% of the population staying there. I have noted that the challenges faced by people in rural areas have been pointed out in most of your presentations, which also provide recommendations and policy directions for improving livelihoods in rural areas. We are also glad that your focus on Northern Uganda will bring new knowledge of the disease potential, help in reducing the spread of diseases in animals, which also affect human beings. This will fit in well with why we support research, with the end goal of poverty reduction,” he said. The Ambassador also pointed out that the next phase of the MAK-Sida Bilateral Research Grant for Phase 1V, 2015 to 2020 was on its way to continue supporting research and innovations relevant to today’s fast changing world.
At the opening of the Annual Review Meeting held on 18th November 2013 at the Main Library, the Vice Chancellor, Professor John Ddumba-Ssentamu was represented by the Acting Vice Chancellor Associate Professor Arch. Barnabas Nawangwe, who is also the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Finance and Administration.
“Makerere University and Uganda in general have enjoyed and continue to benefit from the generosity of the Royal Government of Sweden in the areas of human resources capacity building, research, library services/information technology and infrastructural development. Sida support has also contributed to the enhancement of centres of excellence in waste management, health systems research, and renewable energy research, among others. Despite these achievements, the University still faces challenges like inadequate infrastructure and we appreciate more support,” read the Vice Chancellor’s speech.
The Director of Research and Graduate Training, Professor Mukadasi Buyinza, welcomed participants to the MAK-Sida Annual Review Meeting that provides a platform for dissemination of research, technology and innovations at Makerere University. The Review also presents an opportunity to Makerere University to take stock of her research achievements and their strength in contributing to the national development agenda.
Professor Buyinza appreciated Sida for the continued support to Makerere University and also thanked the University Management for creating an environment conducive to research. “There is will from Management for research to take place and we have all the support we need. With the Sida and Management support, we are empowered to champion the University Research Agenda. During the Phase III (2010-2014), Sida has supported 100 PhDs; 70 Masters and 20 Post Doctoral Research grants. We are also happy to report that we have been granted the Year 2015 as a bridging year in preparation for the MAK-Sida Phase IV Bilateral Research Grant. We are grateful for this support,” he said.
He further saluted Sida for supporting cross cutting courses and services critical in knowledge creation and sharpening of people’s minds. “In Phase III, 700 graduate students have been trained in cross cutting courses such as research management, philosophy of methods, statistical application and information competence management; and senior researchers of Makerere University have undertaken skills enhancement courses including supervision and mentorship, research and financial management,” he explained.
The highly interactive Science Day was coordinated by Dr. David Owiny, of the Vet Sub-programme. “This is the 3rd Science Day since the beginning of the MAK-Sida Phase III. Our collaboration with the Swedish people has been very successful. Together with the Swedish Agricultural University, we are training five (5) PhD students and their research is on a steady path to completion. They are in the final stages of their doctoral studies and will graduate next year,” he said.
In an energetic presentation, the Principal of CoVAB, Professor John David Kabasa, called for a paradigm shift in the education sector if the current and future generations are to be saved from poverty and unemployment. “Peasants fed us and sustained the economy for the last 50 years. Since independence, the education system has been producing people to administer peasants, but not learning how to manage the production and industrial processes. That is why Uganda plans to transform from a peasantry to a middle income economy as per the National Vision 2040,” he asserted. “It is now time to change the model. We need to graduate people with skills to become entrepreneurs or else we are in for a social tsunami. There are a lot of processes from the farm to the table. The industry has so many opportunities in the value-addition chain. Why should supermarkets continue to be highly stocked with products from abroad?” he wondered.
He reasoned that today’s problems cannot be solved using the same methods that created them. “CoVAB has embraced the SPEDA model to harness the entrepreneur, vocational and intellectual skills for high level productivity in the animal industry. It is a blended model that involves working with all people in different sectors; academic, community, public and private sector to graduate a skilled entrepreneur,” explained Professor Kabasa.
The Science Day involved presentations from PhD students, Denis Muhangi, Kokas Ikwap, Benon Kanyima, Denis Rwabiita Mugizi and Margaret Nabukenya, all sponsored by Sida. Denis Muhangi presented the Practices in Pig Value Chain in Uganda: Implications to transmission of African Swine Fever. His study focused on documenting the different factors and practices within the pig value chain that could influence the transmission of African Swine Fever and also the potential risk factors for African Swine Fever outbreaks on farms.
Kokas Ikwap conducted a study on the magnitude of salmonellae infections in pigs in Gulu and Soroti. In his findings, Ikwap observed that 39% of the households had at least one animal succumbing to salmonellae infection, which presents with diarrhea. He stressed that this was dangerous because salmonellae also affects human beings. His study also revealed that out of the 56 samples taken, there were 20 different serotypes of salmonellae identified.
In his study, Benon Kanyima recommended a format to support post-strife rural urban immigrants engaging in urban and peri-urban dairy farming and to establish a Dairy Cow Welfare Policy in Uganda, to curb abuse of cows.
Denis Rwabiita Mugizi focused on the magnitude and risk factor of brucellosis in Gulu and Soroti district. His findings revealed that the disease was more prominent in the older animals of five years and above. Animals brought to these districts from Western Uganda had a higher chance of testing positive to brucellosis. He pointed out that brucellosis continues to be passed on to humans and that the current strain of this infection is resistant to some drugs.
Dr. Maria Nassuna, one of the supervisors emphasized that engaging in this research across different parts of the country was quite fulfilling, because the Supervisors took off time to go to the field with students and therefore made more informed supervision of the research projects.
Another PhD student, Margaret Nabukenya, carried out research on the threat of Helminthosis amongst goats in Gulu and Mpigi district. Her findings reveal that Helminthosis, a common disease in goats, is caused by infections due to various gastro-intestinal parasites. It leads to poor weight gain in these animals. Her findings further reveal that 5.2% of the country's GDP is from livestock products.
An exhibition to showcase the latest innovations from CoVAB, was organized as a key highlight of the Science Day. It involved demonstration of projects on posters and bee-hive technology among others. Dr. David Owiny the Exhibition Coordinator pointed out that the projects on display, as funded by Sida as well as innovations on technologies under the AFRISA programme, were designed to answer to the needs of society by providing practical solutions.
After a guided tour of the exhibits, Ambassador Andersson could not hide his amazement. “I thank this College for working with multidisciplinary teams and using a holistic approach to research. It is also positive that you are working with other universities and partners in Uganda and the region,” he remarked.
On behalf of the college, the Principal, Professor John David Kabasa presented a gift to the Ambassador and to the Sida Desk Officer, Dr. Katri Pohjolainen as a token of appreciation for the continued support.
Dr. Ruth Muwazi of CoVAB gave a vote of thanks to all who had worked tirelessly to make the 3rd Science Day a success and also appreciated the invited guests for dedicating time to understand what CoVAB stands for.
The Review continued with an afternoon session, chaired by Associate Professor George Nasinyama of the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training. It was a Scientific Conference for Postdoctoral presentations, held in the New Library Building Extension. The presentations included:
- A landscape population Genomics Approach for Conservation of the Domestic Pig and Control of African Swine Fever in Uganda by Dr. Charles Masembe, College of Natural Sciences.
- Genetic Characterisation of Trypanosomia vivax-induced hemorrhagic syndrome strains and their spread in Ugandan perigame areas by Dr. Savino Biryomumaisho, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-Security.
- The Opportunities and Challenges of Redd for the Forest Resources Base and Rural Livelihoods In Uganda by Dr. J.J. Namaalwa.
- Growth Modeling of Exploitable Fish populations: A case study of Nile Perch in Lake Nabugabo, Uganda by Dr. Gladys Bwanika, College of Natural Sciences.
- Evaluation and surveillance of the impact of severe maternal and prenatal morbidity on health of women and children attending Mulago and Jinja referral health facilities by Dr. Dan Kaye, College of Health Sciences.
- Adaptation to Climate Change in Post Conflict Communities in Uganda: Building Resilient Livelihoods Paths by Dr. Paul K. Musali, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.
- A theoretical approach for the compilation of the thesauruses in less documented languages by Dr. Celestino Orikiriza, College of Humanities and Social Sciences.
Through Sida support, Makerere University has been able to establish strong collaborations with leading universities including universities in Sweden. Makerere University has also benefitted from joint supervision, which has ensured high quality graduates.
Throughout the 8-day Annual Review Meeting, the team from Sweden and Directorate of Research and Graduate Training-Makerere University will hold discussions with researchers and beneficiaries under the MAK-Sida Bilateral Phase III Research Grant in the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio Security; Makerere University Library; Quality Assurance Directorate; College of Humanities and Social Sciences; College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences; College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology; College of Health Sciences; Gender Mainstreaming Directorate, College of Natural Sciences and DICTS.
The Annual Review Meeting will close on 27th November 2013 with ‘Wrap-up’ plenary discussions from all unit sub programme Coordinators, Supervisors, Researchers and Students. The Wrap-up will be an interactive session in which all beneficiary units will agree on a road map and lay strategies to maximize the anticipated Phase IV Mak-Sida support.
“The Wrap-up session will be instrumental in getting all stakeholders focus in one direction for purposes of positioning this university at a highly competitive and desirable global trend. As a Directorate, we are positive that Makerere University is on the right track in research but we need to speak the same language across the entire university so that we attain a competitive edge in all disciplines,” asserted Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza, Director, Research and Graduate Training, Makerere University.
By: Ritah Namisango and Marion Alina, Public Relations Office
Photos by: Directorate of Research and Graduate Training and MAK Public Relations Office
The two-week training programme aims to equip government officers with practical skills to assess project viability, manage investment risks and ensure public resources deliver value for money.
The Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE) is strengthening the capacity of government officers to undertake financial appraisal and risk analysis of public investment projects through a two-week training programme designed to improve the quality of project preparation, appraisal and decision-making in Uganda.
The training, which started in Fort Portal on October 19, 2026, brought together participants from various government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), alongside facilitators from Makerere University, the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Cambridge Resources International (CRI), the National Planning Authority and the Uganda Development Bank.
Officially opening the training on behalf of the Permanent Secretary/Secretary to the Treasury, Ms Esther Ayebare, Acting Assistant Commissioner in the Project Analysis and Public Investment Department of the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, emphasised the importance of rigorous project appraisal in strengthening Uganda’s public investment management system.
She noted that projects admitted into the public investment plan must be aligned with national priorities, technically sound, financially viable and capable of delivering value for money.
“Government must be able to compare investment alternatives and ensure that only viable projects proceed through the public investment process,” she emphasised.
Ms Ayebare explained that sound appraisal enables government to make informed investment decisions, maximise returns on public expenditure and ensure that limited public resources are directed towards projects with the greatest potential to deliver development outcomes.
Building practical skills for better investment decisions
The training builds on the Public Investment Management course conducted in June, which introduced participants to Uganda’s public investment management framework, including project conceptualisation, stakeholder analysis, project costing, implementation action plans, the Integrated Bank of Projects, and monitoring and evaluation of public investment reforms.
The current programme advances this foundation by equipping participants with technical competencies in financial appraisal, financial modelling and risk analysis.
Participants will explore integrated investment appraisal, alternative investment criteria, cash-flow statements, inflation and exchange-rate movements, asset valuation, project financing, project scale and timing, risk-sharing arrangements and cost-effectiveness analysis.
Through practical exercises and case studies, participants will apply these concepts to investment scenarios in sectors such as roads, health, education and water. The programme will also examine how climate change, social considerations and other risks can be integrated into project preparation and appraisal.
Ms Ayebare encouraged participants to engage actively with the facilitators, question the practical application of the tools and consider how the skills acquired could improve investment decisions within their respective institutions.
She also reminded participants that the programme includes an examination and that certification requires more than attendance. Participants are expected to demonstrate an understanding of the concepts and acquire practical skills that they can apply in their work.
Reducing dependence on externally prepared studies
A key objective of the training is to strengthen the ability of government institutions to undertake high-quality project appraisal studies using their own technical teams.
Ms Ayebare observed that many studies submitted to the Development Committee have traditionally been prepared by external consultants, often at considerable cost. Building the capacity of public officers to conduct these studies independently can help institutions strengthen their technical expertise and improve the quality of project proposals presented for consideration.
She urged participants to take full advantage of the facilitators’ expertise and return to their institutions equipped to undertake sound financial appraisals and provide evidence-based advice to decision-makers.
She further emphasised that project approval requires thorough preparation, analysis and justification, rather than simply identifying available funding and proposing a project to utilise it.
Strengthening public investment management through capacity development
In his remarks, Prof. Edward Bbaale, Director of the PIM CoE, thanked the Ministry of Finance for its financial support and for identifying participants from government institutions. He also recognised the contributions of the facilitators and partner institutions in delivering the programme.
Prof. Bbaale noted that the Centre’s work extends beyond training to include research and advisory services aimed at improving public investment management practices. He encouraged continued collaboration with government institutions and other partners to advance research, knowledge sharing and capacity development.
Speaking during the training, Dr John Sseruyange, Manager of the PIM CoE, highlighted the importance of commitment, active participation and punctuality throughout the programme. He encouraged participants to engage with the facilitators, ask questions and apply the knowledge gained to the projects they support.
Dr Sseruyange also acknowledged the Government of Uganda, through the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, for financing the training, and appreciated Cambridge Resources International for its continued support towards improving public investment preparation and analysis in Uganda.
The training reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen Uganda’s public investment management system by equipping public officers with the knowledge and practical competencies needed to assess projects rigorously, identify potential risks and make informed investment decisions.
By developing in-house expertise across government institutions, the programme seeks to contribute to better-prepared projects, more efficient use of public resources and improved delivery of Uganda’s development priorities.
President Yoweri K. Museveni while officiating as Chief Guest at the Julius Nyerere Annual Symposium 2026: Nyerere-Museveni Dialogue at Makerere University called upon the audience not to merely hold Nyerere’s Legacy as a historical footprint but as a masterplan for the future that remains unfinished. Organised by the Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre (JNLC), the symposium was a two day event that started with “ekyooto” on 13th October at the JNLC gardens and climaxed on 14th October in Freedom Square. The second day hinged on the theme: Borrowing from the Past, Building the Future.
In the President’s message delivered by Rt. Hon. Dr. Crispus Walter Kiyonga the Second Deputy Prime Minister and Chancellor of Makerere University, the president spotlighted, “Mwalimu Nyerere as the greatest African that ever lived in terms of contribution to the African people’s efforts for freedom, human rights, and dignity.”
This greatness, he notes, spilled not just to political ideals but also to economics and security. The President agreed with him and warned that “freedom without economic transformation and economic prosperity, without a robust strategic security, remains incomplete.”
Reaching out to the younger generation of scholars and leaders, the President issued a strong warning to move beyond simply remembering Nyerere to action. He said, “you must carry forward the torch of pan-Africanism, reject sectarianism and tribalism, build our regional markets, and champion the total political integration of our motherland.”
He appreciated Mwalimu for his; unwavering support for the struggle of the East African Federation, courageous backing of the armed anti-colonial struggles in the southern half of Africa, principled and decisive support for the anti-Idi Amin struggle, pro-people and pro-unity policies that kept Tanzania peaceful for decades, and ensuring that Tanzania remained a strategic rear base for the entire African resistance.
As a believer in Nyerere’s ideals, the President urged the audience to honor Mwalimu “not merely through commemorative speeches, but through completing the historical task of uniting, defending, and prospering our motherland,” for the motive is to ensure that the independence wars won by our predecessors were not in vain.
To this note, he reiterated the case for Uganda, saying “we shall never forget his profound contribution” to Africa.
Professor Nyamsenda’s Keynote Unparked Pan-Africanism
During the Nyerere-Museveni Dialogue symposium at Makerere University, Professor Sabatho Nyamsenda, a lecturer at the University of Dar es Salaam delivered the Keynote Address titled “The Unfinished African Project: From Liberation Legacies to a New Generation of Transformation” during the symposium”.
He started on a lighter noticing “Nyerere is being Ugandanised.” This he said looking at the annual Public Lectures dedicated to his name and felt like challenging his home institutions to follow suit.
At the calm of the room, he presented a critique of the current state of Pan-Africanism, arguing that it has been grabbed by the ruling elites, a challenge Professor Nyamsenda identifies to have started in the period of 1960 -1980.
He explained that it was around this time period that Pan-Africanism was snatched away from the masses and it became a state project. Currently, he said the ideology exists in two forms: Boardroom and Street Pan-Africanism.
Professor, characterised Boardroom Pan-Africanism as a State Project. He said “boardroom Pan-Africanism sits comfortably with imperialism and elite-centered accumulation.” While Street Pan-Africanism to which Professor advocates, he emphasised that historically, this approach “united the African liberation movement and liberated the African continent from the most barbaric colonial powers.”
As he concluded, Professor Nyamsenda joined Mwalimu and the President of Uganda in urging youth to consider joining and leading the struggle for a better Africa.
Role of JNLC in Realising Nyerere’s Ideas
Professor Saturninus Kasozi Mulindwa, the JNLC Board Chair highlighted the primary objective of the center as “imparting knowledge and sharing experiences from the old generations to the new generations.” Therefore, JNLC contributes to the actualisation of Nyerere’s ideas by focusing on the development of the next generation of African leaders.
To supplement this, Dr. Nansozi K. Mwanga the Executive Director at JNLC said that the center is committed to “nurturing ethical, conscious, and transformative leaders inspired by Mwalimu’s ideas of service, human dignity, self-reliance, and Pan-African solidarity.”
She explained their focus is on several key areas with training as core. They have “trained over 1,500 young people and young leaders from across Uganda.”, and developed leadership programs “grounded in ethical decision-making, civic responsibility, public service, and action.”
In her remarks, it was observed that training alone is not enough; they are also doing mentorship, to provide opportunities for networking and learning from experienced leaders. There are already testimonies when you visit the Centre wall of fame. To which Dr. Nansozi revealed “leadership development matters when learning becomes service and meaningful action.”
The Centre remains proud of those they have touched and are eager to support as many cohorts.
Julius Nyerere Family Pour their Heart out
Mama Maria Nyerere, addressed the Symposium virtually and commended the Centre for keeping Mwalimu’s values alive.
As a memory of her husband, she reminded the audience that his greatest legacy was anchored on the values by which he lived: service, humility, integrity, unity and love for Africa and its people. She also urged the young people to take up leadership responsibilities and lead with humility, integrity and always remember the people they serve.
Mama Nyerere also advised the youth to learn from those who came before them like her husband with courage to build a better Africa for their generation and those who will come after them.
Joining Mama Nyerere, on behalf of the Nyerere family was Ms. Julia Nyerere, a granddaughter, who attended physically and thanked H.E. Kaguta Museveni for supporting the establishment of the Julius Nyerere Centre at Makerere University and also commended the Keynote Speaker Professor Nyamsenda for Critiquing Nyerere’s ideas.
Julia further shared an understanding of her grand-father’s interest in preserving humanity as a moral.
As a family they are happy that his (Nyerere) values and legacies continue to inspire Africa and beyond.
Appreciation for All who Made the Symposium Possible
Addressing the symposium, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, represented by Professor Henry Alinaitwe the Deputy Vice Chancellor in Charge of Finance and Administration expressed the University’s appreciation and commitment.
He thanked “the government of Uganda for the support they are giving to the Julius Nyerere Leadership Center,” and requested Dr. Kiyonga to “convey the message to the fountain of honour for this initiative that Makerere University is happy for, and is going on well.”
To the leadership of the Center, he specifically thanked the Director Dr. Nansozi for her focused leadership. He stated, “I commend my friend, Dr. Nansozi, for the work that you are doing.”
Professor Alinaitwe also emphasized “we” value these symposiums, saying, “as a university, we acknowledge that such activities create great visibility.”
Dr. Kiyonga was also thanked for delivering the President’s message, together with veterans like Professor Kabwegyere, among other distinguished guests and partners that attended.
Professor Tarsis Bazana Kabwegyere as well appreciated all and emphasised the collective duty of the youth in building the next generation.
He advised “your responsibility is to identify and build Africa forward, building on the legacies and foundations of our forefathers,”.
The Professor also argued that “being young on its own is not a virtue. It is what you are when you are young.” He challenges the audience to avoid being ignorant and claim that you are young.
Background of the Nyerere Symposium
The Julius Nyerere Annual Symposium is an intergenerational gathering hosted at Makerere University. For more than six years now, it has been connecting past leadership legacies of Nyerere and other revolutionaries with current regional and continental priorities under the (JNLC) centre.
The Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre (JNLC) serves as a training ground and research hub designed to mentor the next generation of African leaders. Co-hosted by Makerere University and the Uganda Management Institute (UMI), the Centre bridges the gap between older statesmen and youth by focusing on Pan-African ideals, ethical governance, and social transformation.
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